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2w ago

Bodhana Sivanandan Confirmed as Youngest Woman to Defeat Chess Grandmaster at Age 10

Her final-round win in Liverpool completed the norms required for her Woman International Master title

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Bodhana Sivanandan, a nine-year-old chess prodigy, competes in the British Chess Championships at St. George's Hall on August 07, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The 111th British Chess Championships are taking place in Liverpool between 31 July to 10 August, with competitors vying for the title in the women's, men's, juniors' and over-60 groups. Organized by the English Chess Federation, the competition has been run annually - apart from war years - since 1904. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Bodhana Sivanandan, a 10-year-old, also earned her first Woman Grandmaster norm in the event.

Overview

  • FIDE’s official announcement confirmed that her win at 10 years, five months, and three days surpasses the previous record set by Carissa Yip in 2019.
  • Playing against Grandmaster Peter Wells, Sivanandan navigated tactical dangers and leveraged time pressure to force errors and secure her victory.
  • In 2024 she became the youngest person ever to represent England in any sport by joining the Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad.
  • Chess authorities Danny Gormally and Susan Polgar praised her calm, methodical style and hailed her as an inspiration for aspiring female players.
  • On the same weekend, Ohio’s 10-year-old Keya Jha also defeated a grandmaster, highlighting a surge of young talents making top-level upsets.